I am from Westerly, Rhode Island and have lived my entire life in South County. I earned my bachelor degree in biological sciences from the University of Rhode Island in 2011. I am now working towards my masters in education, also from URI. When not in a classroom, I am usually found on a football field. I coach the linemen for Westerly Pee Wee Football's senior team (13-14 year olds) and play offensive line for the semi-professional Rhode Island Riptide (AA) in the New England Football League.
Where did you get your genes from? (Middle School Genetics)
The study of genetics is the fundamental cornerstone of life science. It is genetics that introduces students to the structure and function of DNA, and its central role as the blueprint for all life as we know it. With knowledge on DNA, students can progress to the examination of DNA structures and how they effect processes of life, govern characteristic traits, and can be tracked to predict the futures of individual organisms. In a world where genetically modified organisms and food is the norm, and sequencing technology can be made available to the masses for $100, future citizens must be fully aware of the mechanisms and science behind DNA, genes, and inheritance.
The purpose of this unit is to build a foundation for students to understand the abstract concept of genetics through multiple topics and pedagogy techniques. Through the use of labs, technology, and models students will be able to see plant and animal life cycles, DNA, genes and chromosomes. Understanding these introductory topics is crucial to move further when students will need to use this prior knowledge towards understanding dominant versus recessive traits, acquired versus inherited traits, punnett squares and pedigrees. Pedagogy techniques include using graphic organizers when reading, cooperative groups, literacy groups and direct instruction. Students will be assessed formatively throughout the unit via homework, exit tickets, informal lab reports, graphic organizers, puzzles, research and classwork. A unit test will accompany the unit as a summative assessment. It will include nine multiple choice questions (one point each) and nine short answer questions (two points each) for 27 points total. By the end of the unit students should have a firm understanding of genetics and how it relates to them in everyday life.
Principal: Greg Zenion Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: John Labriola (Department Head) Office secretary(s): Cheryl Coutcher Guidance Counselor (7th): Don Wheeler Guidance Counselor (8th): Gianni Petteruti Custodian(s): Sean Burdick Who do you call when sick or dying? Cheryl Coutcher What are the phone numbers? (401) 364-0651 Cooperating Teacher: Stephen Cormier
Principal: Laurie Weber Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Kathryn Sagamang (Dept Head) Office secretary(s): Linda Britt Custodian(s): Lisa Thorton and Judy Torres School Resource Officer: Anthony Zoglio Student Support Center: Mark Carson Reading Consultant: Tammy Lyons Hall Monitor: Laura Burger Who do you call when sick or dying? Linda Britt What are the phone numbers? 364-7778 Cooperating Teacher: Jonathan Shehan
have lived my entire life in South County.
I earned my bachelor degree in biological
sciences from the University of Rhode
Island in 2011. I am now working towards
my masters in education, also from URI.
When not in a classroom, I am usually
found on a football field. I coach the linemen
for Westerly Pee Wee Football's senior team
(13-14 year olds) and play offensive line for
the semi-professional Rhode Island Riptide (AA)
in the New England Football League.
Teaching Portfolio
Teaching Inspiration
Teaching Philosophy
Unit Plan
Where did you get your genes from? (Middle School Genetics)The study of genetics is the fundamental cornerstone of life science. It is genetics that introduces students to the structure and function of DNA, and its central role as the blueprint for all life as we know it. With knowledge on DNA, students can progress to the examination of DNA structures and how they effect processes of life, govern characteristic traits, and can be tracked to predict the futures of individual organisms. In a world where genetically modified organisms and food is the norm, and sequencing technology can be made available to the masses for $100, future citizens must be fully aware of the mechanisms and science behind DNA, genes, and inheritance.
The purpose of this unit is to build a foundation for students to understand the abstract concept of genetics through multiple topics and pedagogy techniques. Through the use of labs, technology, and models students will be able to see plant and animal life cycles, DNA, genes and chromosomes. Understanding these introductory topics is crucial to move further when students will need to use this prior knowledge towards understanding dominant versus recessive traits, acquired versus inherited traits, punnett squares and pedigrees. Pedagogy techniques include using graphic organizers when reading, cooperative groups, literacy groups and direct instruction. Students will be assessed formatively throughout the unit via homework, exit tickets, informal lab reports, graphic organizers, puzzles, research and classwork. A unit test will accompany the unit as a summative assessment. It will include nine multiple choice questions (one point each) and nine short answer questions (two points each) for 27 points total. By the end of the unit students should have a firm understanding of genetics and how it relates to them in everyday life.
Student Teaching Information
A. First Student Teaching Placement
School:
Chariho Middle School
Address:
455B Switch Road
Wood River Junction, Rhode Island 02894
Click for Directions from Chafee, URI (Google Maps)
Principal: Greg Zenion
Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: John Labriola (Department Head)
Office secretary(s): Cheryl Coutcher
Guidance Counselor (7th): Don Wheeler
Guidance Counselor (8th): Gianni Petteruti
Custodian(s): Sean Burdick
Who do you call when sick or dying? Cheryl Coutcher
What are the phone numbers? (401) 364-0651
Cooperating Teacher: Stephen Cormier
B. Second Student Teaching Placement
School:
Chariho High School
Address:
453 Switch Road,
Wood River Junction, RI 02894
Click for Directions from Chafee, URI (Google Maps)
Principal: Laurie Weber
Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Kathryn Sagamang (Dept Head)
Office secretary(s): Linda Britt
Custodian(s): Lisa Thorton and Judy Torres
School Resource Officer: Anthony Zoglio
Student Support Center: Mark Carson
Reading Consultant: Tammy Lyons
Hall Monitor: Laura Burger
Who do you call when sick or dying? Linda Britt
What are the phone numbers? 364-7778
Cooperating Teacher: Jonathan Shehan
Observations and Reflections